All for one, all for LNG!

In France, even the Musketeers opt for LNG! The department store group “Les Mousquetaires” uses LNG-powered Scanias in its own network of filling stations.

One of the various logistics bases of the French department stores’ group “Les Mousquetaires”. Source: Scania

The French department store group “Les Mousquetaires,” with department stores such as Netto, Bricorama and Intermarché, was a logistics pioneer right from the outset when it set up its own transport fleet. Today this is made up of some 2,300 semi-trailers, drivers and partners. There are two subsidiaries – ITM LAI for foodstuffs and ITM LEMI for other products – that supply outlets in France, Belgium, Portugal and Poland.

Products are stored in logistics bases throughout France. No fewer than 900 million parcels of goods are transported and distributed in this way every year. In order to optimize delivery routes, the vehicles are equipped not just with modern IT solutions but also future-oriented powertrains: “Les Mousquetaires” has established its own CNG and LNG fleet, having started as early as July 2019.

For driver Thierry Bigot, refuelling with the highly cold, liquefied LNG has long since become a habit, but he still attaches great importance to safety. Source: Scania

One of no fewer than 130 LNG trucks is currently approaching the town of Louviers, some 110 kilometres north-west of Paris. Here, the department store group has even set up its own LNG filling station close to the logistics base. Driver Thierry Bigot parks his truck and fetches his protective equipment, helmet, glasses and gloves. “We have trucks in operation on a round-the-clock basis, so I refuel LNG and fix up the interior of the car for whoever’s taking over after me.” He’s now become adept at refuelling the extremely cold liquefied gas. “LNG gives us a greater range of around 400 kilometres,” he says.

This also facilitates the work of fleet manager Saïd El Balli, who can easily plan the drivers’ trips of between 200 and 350 kilometres without having to allow for refuelling stops. As he explains: “Just as at the other logistics bases, Enta – short for Établissement national de transport alimentaire – now manages the deliveries, the drivers and the fleet. Here in Louviers we have 26 trucks, 13 of which are Scanias with LNG drive.” Seven have single tanks and six have double tanks to increase the range. The logistics base supplies 118 points of sale, and the trucks make several journeys a day, so they undergo a real endurance test.

Fleet manager Saïd El Balli, driver Thierry Bigot and ENTA instructor Christophe Cauchis (from left) work hand in hand and – thanks to the LNG-powered Scanias – are able to guarantee punctual, reliable and eco-friendly goods deliveries. Source: Scania

The first Scania models with LNG drive were integrated in the fleet just over four years ago. “We weren’t familiar with the brand or with LNG, and it took us a little while to get accustomed to the new vehicles,” recalls Christophe Cauchis, Enta instructor. “There was some scepticism at first, but then we did the driving and safety training with Scania.” This definitely had an impact. The drivers wouldn’t want to be without their LNG trucks now. “The LNG-Scania has good road-holding – not too hard, not too soft. It’s very comfortable – I’m really satisfied,” says Thierry Bigot. Gas-fuelled vehicles also boast significantly lower CO₂ emissions, a drastic reduction in NO_x, and they only generate half as much noise. When the trucks run on biogas or liquefied LBG/bio-LNG, their delivery trips to the “Les Mousquetaires” stores are virtually carbon-neutral.

A Scania with LNG propulsion at one of the LNG filling stations set up by “Les Mousquetaires” themselves. Source: Scania

As Thierry Bigot drives his Scania back to base after refuelling, he thinks back to his first delivery runs in the 410 hp LNG truck: “Back then, some drivers were bothered by the fact that the lorries were less noisy. But actually that’s quite pleasant in the course of a working day. Like the level of comfort in the cabin: there are sensors everywhere, and the retarder is very effective, with six stages – as compared to three in a diesel vehicle.”

With liquefied biogas in the tank, the Scania truck would even be almost CO2-neutral on the road, but even with conventional LNG in the tank, it drives with clearly lower emissions than a diesel truck. Source: Scania

Even though the Scania with LNG drive is already significantly more eco-friendly than a diesel truck, there’s always more drivers can do to save fuel and be even more effective in terms of efficiency and the environment. Consumption premiums have been introduced to make drivers more aware of eco-friendly driving. “I’m always aware of my level of fuel consumption. Reducing it is a daily challenge as far as I’m concerned. My record is 23.5 kilograms per 100 kilometres,” says Bigot proudly. With a mischievous smile, he reveals how he manages this: “I’m very familiar the routes and their altitude profiles, so I make the most of the downhill stretches – and brake as little as possible.” (jas, 27 April 2023)

One of the Intermarché shops that can be supplied in a clearly more environmentally friendly way thanks to the LNG semitrailers. Source: Les Mousquetaires